METSTRADE ready

Registration is now open for METSTRADE 2024, which returns to Amsterdam in November with a wide-ranging program focused on emerging technologies, sustainability and networking.

09 September 2024

The world’s largest trade exhibition for leisure marine equipment, materials and systems, METSTRADE 2024, is set to take place at RAI Amsterdam from 19 to 21 November.

Expectations are high for the world’s largest trade exhibition of leisure marine equipment, materials and systems, with strong exhibitor numbers, a dynamic event programme and plenty of relevant content. The show caters to all audiences — from marina builders to equipment companies and superyacht professionals.

“I’m pleased to announce visitor registration is now open as we prepare to greet the industry’s most significant annual gathering of global leisure marine professionals from more than 130 countries,” said Niels Klarenbeek, director of METSTRADE.

“Feedback consistently informs us that participants heavily rely upon METSTRADE as their pivotal annual professional platform to network, research, create business opportunities and source solutions.”

METSTRADE will feature a wide array of presentations, features and discussions centred on key industry themes.

Throughout its 36-year history, METSTRADE has been a launch pad for thousands of innovations.

Winners of the DAME Design Awards will be on display in Hall 13.

For 2023, METSTRADE expanded into 11 halls and hosted over 1,500 exhibitors.

Klarenbeek continues: “We take those expectations seriously. Significant effort has once again been placed on ensuring the best experience on the show floors across 11 halls, building on last year’s expanded set of dedicated pavilions to host more than 1,500 exhibitors from across the global leisure marine equipment sector.”

The event will feature a wide array of presentations, features and discussions centred on key industry themes such as emerging technologies, sustainability, and accessibility and inclusion. “We’ve put together an outstanding line-up,” Klarenbeek says.

The programme also includes the integration of The Superyacht Forum into the SuperYacht Pavilion, creating a hub for the global superyacht industry. Additionally, the Yacht Racing Forum will debut in Amsterdam, bringing together professionals from this dynamic sector.

Emerging technologies

Throughout its 36-year history, METSTRADE has been a launch pad for thousands of innovations, and 2024 will continue this tradition. New products and transformative technologies will be showcased, with the DAME Design Awards highlighting exceptional design across all disciplines. The winners will be announced during the METSTRADE ICOMIA Breakfast Briefing on 19 November, with entries displayed in Hall 13.

The Foiling Technology Pavilion, organised with the Foiling Organization, will focus on the latest advancements in foiling, including innovations linked to America’s Cup yachts and hydrogen-powered chase boats.

The pavilion will feature interactive presentations covering digital transformation and sustainability strategies.

The 10th anniversary Boat Builder Awards will celebrate technical achievements in yacht building and recognise the contributions of industry professionals. The awards ceremony will take place at Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum, with winners showcased in Hall 13.

The Next Generation Propulsion Zone will highlight recent advancements in electric propulsion, hybrid systems, hydrogen, alternative fuels and battery technologies. Panel sessions in the adjacent METSTRADE Theatre will offer expert insights.

Sustainability

Sustainability remains a key focus, with METSTRADE hosting numerous presentations and discussions on environmental issues affecting the leisure marine sector. The METSTRADE Theatre will present sessions on sustainability, including an update from ICOMIA on its Propelling Our Future research.

Exhibitors adopting independently verified life cycle assessments will be featured on the Superyacht Sustainability Route, part of the Water Revolution Foundation’s Hub of Verified Solutions. The Equipment Recyclability Hub, held with World Sailing and World Sailing Trust, will also return, addressing the second use and recycling of yachting equipment.

The Women in the Marine Industry International panel event and networking breakfast will return this year.

Accessibility and inclusion

The Young Professionals Club & Career Zone, open to participants under 35, will provide networking opportunities, coaching sessions and workshops. This year, in partnership with Marine Resources, it includes a collaboration with Dutch superyacht builder Feadship, allowing selected members to tour its Amsterdam shipyard.

The Start-Up Pavilion, in association with Yachting Ventures, will feature 15 first-time exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of innovations, including fenders, hydrogen-powered boats and safety technologies. The METSTRADE Theatre will host sessions on startup insights, female founders, securing investment, and a pitch event, with the winner gaining a stand at METSTRADE 2025.

The Women in Marine Industry Event, first launched in 2022, will return with a focus on the impact of technology, AI and people on the future of work.

The event will run on 20 November with a panel of speakers providing insights and networking opportunities. Registration is required in advance.

America’s Cup team New York Yacht Club American Magic is a partner of METSTRADE for 2024. Skipper Terry Hutchinson will attend on 19 November to deliver the METSTRADE ICOMIA Breakfast Briefing, address the METSTRADE Theatre audience, and meet members of the Young Professionals Club.

DAME Design Awards entrants contribute a submission fee that is donated to a charitable cause chosen by the METSTRADE Exhibition Committee. The 2024 beneficiary is SailWise, a Netherlands-based organisation that provides water sports activities for individuals with disabilities across Europe.

The Superyacht Forum and partner events

The Superyacht Forum (TSF) will take place on 18 and 19 November at RAI Amsterdam. Now under the venue’s organisation, it aligns closely with METSTRADE’s SuperYacht Pavilion, featuring three halls of specialist manufacturers and suppliers. The TSF program, developed by industry partners on METSTRADE’s Superyacht Content Board, will address emerging technologies, sustainability and industry enhancement.

METSTRADE will also host several partner events, including the Yacht Racing Forum, which will run from 20-22 November, covering topics such as sports governance, risk management, and design and technology. The 28th HISWA Symposium on yacht design and construction will explore machine learning, nuclear-powered superyachts, and sustainable aluminium catamaran production.

Other partner events include the HISWA MARINA Symposium, the Fit to Refit symposium hosted by KNVTS and KIVI, and NMEA 2000 training courses from the National Marine Electronics Association, held on 18 and 22 November.

metstrade.com